Your Mouth And Why It Is Connected to Your Overall Health

TOOTH AND GUM ISSUES COULD POTENTIALLY EXTEND BEYOND YOUR TEETH AND GUMS

Each and every organ in the human body is connected, so issues in one area can create a much wider chain reaction. In this article, our group at MINT dentistry in Denton talks about the connections between your oral health and your overall health. Many research studies are in progress all over the world that are venturing to figure out how oral health affects general health or how overall health can have consequences for oral health. Imperfect oral health (particularly gum disease) can raise your chances of ending up with heart disease, make it more difficult to manage diabetes, and, in women who are expecting, harm the baby's health. Each of these are important reasons to make sure you establish a suitable oral health regimen at home and schedule regular visits with a dentist in Denton, TX.

HOW CAN YOUR ORAL HEALTH INFLUENCE YOUR OVERALL HEALTH?
Your mouth is basically a portal to many vital organs, including the stomach and heart. It's no surprise that an infection or inflammation like periodontitis can eventually extend to diverse parts of your body. Here are the top four biggest conditions that can be influenced by oral health:

• HEART DISEASE
  Scientists have data that indicates that swelling in the mouth (generally from periodontal disease) can elevate someone's likelihood of having a cardiac event or cerebrovascular accident (stroke). Research is being conducted to look at the idea that bacteria in your mouth could induce swelling in the arteries.
• DEMENTIA
  Researchers are examining the connection between good dental health and greater cognitive function in seniors. In individuals who have Alzheimer's disease, there is a likely connection to poor oral health. Dementia and low cognitive function frequently lead to more oral problems, most likely because the person has trouble sticking to his or her home oral care regimen.
• PREGNANCY ISSUES
  Fluctuating hormones during pregnancy can put women at heightened risk for developing periodontal disease. Gingivitis during pregnancy causes inflamed gums that bleed easily. Having advanced gum disease (periodontitis) while pregnant has been connected to premature delivery and underweight newborns. This is why it's especially important for women to brush and floss each day to defend against gum disease and other oral health problems.
• DIABETES
  People with diabetes need to pay careful attention to their gum health to help control their insulin levels. Persistent or untreated periodontal disease could make it more challenging for your body to manage blood sugar. In times when you have trouble managing your blood sugar, arrange an evaluation with a dentist in Denton, TX to find out if periodontal disease might be part of your problem.

CRUCIAL ORAL HEALTH STEPS
You have numerous ways to improve or sustain your oral health and, in turn, your general health. These include a diligent dental hygiene regimen at home and visiting your dentist in Denton, TX twice a year.

• TELL YOUR DENTIST ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY
  When talking to your dental practitioner, be candid about your medical history and any existing medical conditions. Alert him or her if you have a family history of cardiovascular disease, blood sugar issues, or periodontal disease. You may need to receive oral health examinations more often than one time per year.
• CONSIDER PREVENTIVE TREATMENTS
  To improve the health of your teeth and gums, speak to your dental hygienist about using preventive treatments to assist in avoiding dental problems. These might include dental sealants, which will shield your back teeth from acquiring cavities, or fluoride mouth rinses to harden your enamel.
• BRUSH A MINIMUM OF TWICE PER DAY
  At minimum twice a day, you should be cleaning your teeth for at least two minutes with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Make sure you aren't pressing too roughly with your toothbrush, since it can erode your enamel and lead to gum recession.
• DEAL WITH ORAL HEALTH PROBLEMS ASAP
  If your dentist spots an issue, be sure to schedule an appointment ASAP to have it taken care of. If you have any signs of an oral health problem, for example, chronic toothaches, red and swollen or bleeding gums, or trouble chewing, you need to set up a visit.
• TELL YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT YOUR ORAL HEALTH
  If your usual physician is prescribing you medicine for diabetes or cardiac disease, he or she needs to be told about any oral health problems. Periodontal disease can have an especially big impact on your overall health.
• FLOSS AT LEAST ONCE PER DAY
  Flossing is extremely important in warding off gum problems. You ought to floss once a day to eliminate the plaque and debris from the spaces between your teeth. To confirm you are flossing properly, ask your dentist or hygienist to demonstrate the most productive way to floss during your next appointment.
• SCHEDULE DENTAL CLEANINGS BI-ANNUALLY
  To get rid of the plaque and tartar that will often accumulate on your teeth, it's critical to see your dentist in Denton, TX no less than twice per year to undergo a professional cleaning. As part of your cleanings, your hygienist will check your gum tissue and look for other evidence of gingivitis (the beginning stage of periodontal disease).
• GET YEARLY ORAL HEALTH EXAMS
  At your annual oral health examination, your dental practitioner will use digital x-rays and other tools to check for issues. Early detection of issues will help you defend against larger problems in the long run. In addition, issues that are caught early can generally be fixed with quicker, noninvasive treatments.

UPGRADE YOUR DENTAL HEALTH TO BETTER YOUR TOTAL WELL-BEING
Begin prioritizing your oral health and strengthen your whole body. Scientists have evidence to suggest that inflammation and bacteria in your mouth may be harmful to your health, both now and in the future. Taking care of your mouth is a crucial part of your general well-being, so arrange an appointment with a dentist in Denton, TX to get an oral health evaluation and dental cleaning. If you're looking for a great team of experienced dental professionals who provide preventive care and restorative treatments, call MINT dentistry in Denton. We would love to help you and your family get radiant, healthy smiles at our practice in Denton, TX.